1 Corinthians 11:1, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."

Think

Have you ever seen a son try to walk in his dad's shoes that are way too big? How about a daughter who attempts to wear a dress that only fits mom? Children have an innate desire to impersonate their parents. That's because kids will mirror what you model and mimic what you mentor. Your children are watching your marriage, your actions, your faith and a lot more. Fathers, if you want your son to be a chip off the old block, you need to ask yourself if you are a stumbling block or a building block. Mothers, remember that you are a steward of your children, they are on loan to you for only a few years. Over this past week, our devotionals have shown us the difference between good and bad parenting as we have seen stark contrasts in the life of Samuel. How will you lead under your roof? Kids want to impersonate mom and dad. They want to imitate you. So the big question for today is this: If they are so set on imitating you, are you imitating Jesus?

Act

If you are a parent, think through some of the things that you've seen your kids do to try to impersonate and imitate you. First, do they talk a lot like you? Do they act a lot like you? Second, are you proud or embarrassed by what you see in them? If today is the first day of the rest of your life, determine that you are going to become the best role model possible. If they want to be more like us, we need to be more like Christ.

Pray

God, because my kids want to be more like me, help me to be more like you. Help me to remember that they are watching every move I make. Let that be my accountability to be the best parent I can be as I live out your principles and values before them. Amen.